Tech Goes Home

Tech Goes Home

BACKGROUND

Originating in 1999 with six schools and 40 participating families, Tech Goes Home @ School has since expanded to all Boston Public schools and more than 800 families.

The main theme of the Tech Goes Home @ School curriculum is to clearly demonstrate to parents and students how the use of technology is the central means to participation and success in today’s society. This message is backed by strong, repeated practice, and is supported by TGH’s subsidized computer purchase program and continuing support after TGH courses are completed. Tech Goes Home encourages the extension of skills beyond the realm of the program for the purpose of self-improvement and for the advancement of the individual into positions of school, workplace, and community leadership. The Tech Goes Home model is up for replication as part of Boston's expanded broadband education and adoption effort.

CHALLENGE

The great challenge faced by Boston and other communities across the country is a gap in the use of technology, largely due to issues of affordability and lack of infrastructure. In short, if people don’t have access to the equipment to use the technology, they don’t learn how. This technology gap quickly becomes an opportunity gap. People are basically left behind while the rest of the world moves further into running the day-to-day transactions of life—whether they be related to commerce, education, healthcare, recreation, culture, or whatever else— through technology.

SOLUTION

At 1000 Paces, we’re helping to bridge the technology gap and open new doors for children, adults, families, and for entire communities by helping increase proficiency in Information and Communication Technology skills

Through leading the design and development of next generation curriculum, we’re shifting the focus from computer skills development to a model that concentrates on leveraging broadband access to help students and families "live, learn, earn, work and play" virtually and in their neighborhoods.

We provide a customized Class Drive platform including Google apps for students, families and teachers. The system is designed to increase exposure to and use of the tools, skills, and benefits of technology, not just within the context of a student’s school work or within the context of TGH training, but within the context of family, community, and work life beyond TGH training. The goal being increased opportunities and an enhanced quality of life for all.

We provide direct, ongoing, and personalized training that encourages the extension of skills beyond the realm of the program for the purpose of self-improvement and for the advancement of the individual into positions of school, workplace, and community leadership